Jazz Pedagogy: Incorporating Authentic Jazz Articulations into Solo and Jazz Ensemble Performance / Flute Performance

When performing jazz music, especially jazz in the swing style, utilizing authentic articulation is essential. However, in many jazz arrangements, specific articulations are not notated in the ensemble parts. In addition, when performing improvised solos, ensemble members must create their own articulations based upon their knowledge of articulation style, the tempo of the tune and the rhythms they choose to play. Since many students are not knowledgeable in this area, they must rely on their jazz ensemble director to supply them with the information necessary to perform with correct articulation. Unfortunately, many jazz ensemble directors also do not have the knowledge necessary to instruct students on how to properly articulate in the jazz style. As a result, students do not use authentic articulations when performing their jazz ensemble parts or when improvising solos. The purpose of this paper is to provide jazz ensemble directors and ensemble members with the information necessary to incorporate correct, authentic jazz swing articulations into solo and ensemble performance. There are five basic types of jazz articulations used when playing jazz swing music. They are back-accent, hard, slur, half and doodle tonguing. These articulations can be used separately but are most commonly played in combination with each other to provide the most authentic jazz articulation style. Using correct jazz articulations will allow students to perform in a more authentic jazz style, greatly enhancing their performance skills and their understanding of the jazz idiom.